Final thoughts on the NFL Draft

The draft has come and gone but not forgotten. The event is my favorite time of the year and really enjoyed watching every minute of it.

First off, I could not believe several players were not drafted.  Note that I do not know if discipline problems were involved in grading these players.

1. Graham Harrell, QB Texas Tech- This guy obviously put up amazing numbers in a pass-happy system. I thought he would get picked late but he did not. He seems to be a solid individual with leadership skills so his arm strength must really be in question. I thought since last year Colt Brennan got drafted that  he spread offense quarterbacks were starting to get some love by NFL teams.

2. Terrill Byrd, DT Cincinnati- He really jumped out on film to me and was a pre-season All-American in many people’s eyes. He is a little underweight and not overly tall but I thought someone would give him a shot also in the mid to late rounds. He would have to play in the 4-3 scheme but still I thought his film was impressive.

3. Aaron Kelly, WR Clemson- The tall receiver is also built to a degree and I tought his grade would depend on the 40 yard dash time. He then ran in the 4.5 range which is not bad for a guy his size.  I thought he uses his body well and made quite a few catches in college, which is impressive because the team struggled this year on offense. He was not drafted however.

Two teams seemed to me to have the best drafts in terms of overall quality players acquired.

The Jacksonville Jaguars not only drafted top talents but also filled needs. Eugene Monroe fell to them and is a top five player. He will start immediately and seems to fit the system well because he comes from a pro-style in college. Eben Britton was a first-round talent that fell to them in the second round. He now has something to prove and will be working hard. Both players help upgrade a position that was key to the team failing to win last year. Obviously the injuries and tragedy involving Richard Collier getting shot hurt the team badly.

The Jaguars then drafted two lesser known prospects from Temple and William & Mary but both have potential. The team’s other main need was at receiver. Instead of reaching early, they took intriguing players late that could still develop. Mike Thomas from Arizona is the best slot receiver propect in the draft in some people’s eyes. Though he is small, he is very fluid and could step up and make some catches. Jarrett Dillard is another smaller receiver at 5′10 but his college career involved tons of production and he could come in and make an impact from the get go. In the last round they took Tiquan Underwood, one of the two great receivers from Rutgers last year. I don’t know why he fell so far but he is fast and is 6′1 so he could become a solid player. The last player that I am intrigued by is running back Rashad Jennings from Liberty. He is a solid individual who transferred to the small-school for family reasons. He is a big runner who could end up complimenting Maurice Jones-Drew very nicely.

The other team I was impressed by was the San Diego Chargers. Larry English is an interesting player that can develop as an outside linebacker and add depth. Because the team is stacked at the position, he can be afforded some time to learn. He could very well be a solid pass rusher from the beginning also.

The two guards the team drafted could both be solid starters in the league. Louis Vasquez dominated the combine by showing he is extremely strong. He also displayed solid pass-blocking skills at Texas Tech. He has the potential to be better in the run game and doesn’t have to start immediately. Tyronne Green from Auburn also had a good college career. He has possibly the best initial punch of any drafted linemen. I like his overall athleticism a lot.

Vaughn Martin, the defensive nose tackle from Canada has a great story and is an interesting prospect. If he turns into a solid nose tackle after Jamal Williams stops playing, the team will look very smart.

Gartrell Johnson, the running back from Colorado State, is one of my favorite prospects this year. He is one of the most ripped college players I’ve ever seen and he pounds the ball at the line of scrimmage. He is not a burner but plays hard and can make tough yards. If the team is content to let LaDainian Tomlinson leave, Johnson can step in. The team apparently wants to keep Darren Sproles, the little speedster, so perhaps Johnson can compliment him nicely in the future.

FINAL MOCK DRAFT! (4/24/09)

1. DET- Matthew Stafford, QB Georgia- At some point a team has to measure whether the anticipation factor of bringing in a top notch big name QB is more important than drafting a player that can play immediately. The negotiations going on between these two parties seem to indicate that a young QB is important to the franchise.

2. STL- Jason Smith, OT Baylor- By selecting Smith, they improve on the o-line instantly. This guy offers more athleticism than the other OT prospects as he is a former tight end. Props to the underdog Big XII school Baylor for producing such a talented player.

3. KC- Aaron Curry, LB Wake Forest- I realize the team has other needs and could trade out but finding a partner will be tough because so much money is involved in the pick. Curry has only one perceived weakness- pass rushing skills. I say draft a sound tackler and let him be mentored. Also Curry is a great character guy which I always love.

4. SEA- Mark Sanchez, QB USC- It will either be Sanchez or Eugene Monroe here. They could be throwing out a smoke-screen to enhance trade possibilities by saying they want Sanchez. By drafting him though, the new coaching staff buys some extra time for developing the team into a solid contender.

5. CLE- B.J. Raji, DT Boston College- This guy is pretty quick for a nose tackle, so much that new coach Eric Mangini could put him at d-end in the 3-4 scheme while Shaun Rogers is still on the roster. Rogers though has complained several times and could possibly be on his way out sooner or later.

6. CIN- Eugene Monroe, T Virginia- The team needs o-line help drastically. Having Monroe fall to them would be great because the next best OT- Andre Smith comes with baggage whereas Monroe doesn’t. He will be able to come in and start as a rookie.

7. OAK- Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech- Everyone says that Al Davis is obsessed with speed and thus Jeremy Maclin fits this pick. I think Davis also loves play-makers and big name guys.  Crabtree simply is great with the ball in his hands and would be another nice young addition to the team’s offense.

8. JAC- Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri- The team needs wide receiver help very badly and Maclin provides an instant home-run threat. Can Maclin instantly start? It might be a stretch but hopefully he can at least be the slot guy for the time being while dominating on special teams as a return guy.

9. GB- Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB  Texas- The team is switching to the 3-4 and needs edge rushers. Orakpo appears to have the ability to lineup as an outside linebacker in the new defense and get to the quarterback from early on in his career. Orakpo is rated as the best pass rusher on the board and Green Bay would be delighted if he falls this far.

10. SF- Everette Brown, DE/OLB Florida State- This guy has a tremendous blend of size and speed and should help the 49er 3-4 allignment at least as a rusher from day 1. Having a solid defense would go a long way toward getting the team back toward playoff contention and Brown immediately adds some athleticism.

11. BUF- Tyson Jackson, DE LSU- The team needs pass-rushing help and offensive line help. This pick will either be a offensive tackle or a pass rusher. Jackson fits in a 3-4 scheme a little better in my opinion but he can still flat out get to the quarterback. He is one of those guys that might be better in the NFL than in college.

12. DEN- Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB Penn State- Maybin eases the transition to the 3-4 defense because he can also get to the passer. The Broncos could go several directions with this pick but Maybin is highly ranked on many boards and looks like a good pick here.

13. WAS- Andre Smith, T Alabama- Smith is a super talent with question marks about his character. Washington could trade up for Sanchez but could upgrade their o-line here if they stay put.

14. NO- Malcolm Jenkins, DB Ohio State- Jenkins has great ball skills which the Saints secondary lacks to a large degree. Jenkins will probably play safety but is talented and versatile. This pick makes a lot of sense though the Saints might pick up a running back here.

15. HOU- Brian Cushing, LB USC- The team’s defense seems just a couple upgrades away from being dominant to a large degree. The secondary needs upgrades but Cushing is a solid pickup that helps the team’s tackling ability.

16. SD- Rey Maualuga, LB USC- The team could go a lot of ways here but adding this solid player to the current linebacker core is scary to think about. Shawne Merriman could tutor Maualuga while he learns the game at a higher level.

17. NYJ- Josh Freeman, QB Kansas State- This team could very well trade up for Sanchez as well but if they stay put Freeman is definitely on their radar. They can afford to let him develop while Kellen Clemons plays for a short time. Drafting a quarterback would make sense for the new coaching staff to develop.

18. DEN- Clay Matthews, LB USC- The Broncos could go a lot of ways with this pick including trading up for Sanchez because reports are the team really wants him. If they don’t move they could continue to make the transition to the 3-4 that Mike Nolan, the d-coordinator runs.

19. TB- Peria Jerry, DT Ole Miss- The team needs just an upgrade or two on the d-line to make the unit dominant and take pressure off Gaines Adams. Jerry fits the 4-3 scheme they run very well because of his combination of strength and quickness.

20. DET- Michael Oher, T Ole Miss- Oher could very well be gone by this spot but the team needs to upgrade the trenches and Oher is highly rated. They could just as easily draft a different O-tackle if Oher is gone. Defensive line is also a possibility here.

21. PHI- Beanie Wells, RB Ohio State-  The team needs to take some pressure off Brian Westbrook and Wells can take handoffs from day 1. Wells has the strength to run inside well and this makes a lot of sense.  This pick could really upgrade the Philly offense to an elite status.

22. MIN- Eben Britton, T Arizona- The Vikings could take a receiver here but Britton seems like a good fit especially when Bryant McKinnie could be getting on their last nerve. Why not continue to upgrade the o-line so Adrian Peterson can continue to dominate?

23. NE- James Laurinaitis, LB Ohio State- The team could very well trade up because they own so many picks. This guy could upgrade the linebacking core and provide some youth that is needed. He is a great tackler who can help the special teams as well.

24. ATL- Ziggy Hood, DT Missouri- This guy is rising on draft boards and can immediately help the defense get better. They are putting together a solid young core of players and Hood adds to this strategy.

25. MIA- Hakeem Nicks, WR NC- On film this guy looks unstoppable with great hands, possibly the best in the draft. His overall speed is the only concern but Nicks can come in and get first downs for the Dolphins right away. The team needs a possession receiver to compliment Tedd Ginn Jr. and Nicks could be that guy.

26. BAL- Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR Maryland- He has elite speed and solid size to go along with it. The Ravens could go a lot of ways here but why not add another receiver with Derrick Mason aging?

27. IND- William Beatty, T UConn- The O-line looked a little worse last year and protecting Peyton Manning plus upgrading the run game should be a priority. Beatty has some athleticism and can play right away. The team simply needs a better run game and adding a running back could also be done here. The team also needs d-line help but no one fits the spot value-wise here.

28. BUF- Darius Butler, DB UConn- The team could do a lot of things with this pick including o-line help but Butler adds some solid athleticism to the secondary that got hurt by free-agency. Butler could combine with Leodis McKelvin to make a solid young secondary.

29. NYG- Kenny Britt, WR Rutgers- The team needs a wide receiver more than anything by far. They could very well trade for a veteran but Britt makes sense here if they don’t move. Britt is a solid receiver that simply makes first downs and fights for the ball in the air.

30. TEN- Robert Ayers, DE Tennessee- Although the team needs help on the interior d-line more, Ayers immediately adds to a solid amount of pass rushing skills to the team with an already nice d-line. Ayers can play freely on third downs as a rusher without huge amounts of pressure on him which is ideal.

31. ARI- Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia- While it doesn’t seem possible that he can fall this far, running backs are a plenty in this draft and many teams are already set. Moreno can create a nice one-two combo with Tim Hightower next year because Edgerrin James could very well not be around.

32. PIT- Alphonso Smith, DB Wake Forest- The team doesn’t have amazing corners and could use an upgrade. Many players could go here including an o-lineman but Smith is a solid player that can play as the nickel back right away.

NEW MOCK DRAFT (4/14)

1. DET- Matthew Stafford, QB Georgia- I still say the team should build in the trenches but it seems a quarterback will be the choice. Here’s hoping they are able to groom him initially at least so his chances of succeeding are raised.

2. STL- Jason Smith, T Baylor- The team will take a tackle most likely and it comes down to Monroe or Smith. Monroe is bigger but Smith is more athletic.

3. KC- Aaron Curry, LB Wake Forest- The team could very well trade down to obtain another pick. They are without a second round pick because of the Matt Cassell & Mike Vrabel trade. New GM Scott Pioli will probably tend to accumulate draft picks like in New England and getting more picks will mean adding more overall talent to the squad. Curry though is an outstanding talent with great discipline and a will to succeed. New Chief linebackers Vrabel and Zach Thomas would be great mentors.

4. SEA- Eugene Monroe, T Virginia- The team has several needs upfront on defense but Monroe is a top talent and the offensive line in Seattle is not outstanding besides Walter Jones, who is getting older.

5. CLE- Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB Texas- The Browns are hoping this hybrid player will fall to them because Orakpo has the athleticism to be a great pass rusher in the 3-4 scheme the team is running. A lack of pass rush was a main weakness of the team a year ago.

6. CIN- Andre Smith, T Alabama- With many question marks on the o-line the team is forced to gamble on the top-talent in Smith who has definite upside but many question marks concerning his drive and mental makeup.

7. OAK- Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech- This guy can flat out play though the Raiders might opt for more speed in the receiving core and go with Jeremy Maclin. Crabtree though, can make a difference and can make tougher catches by using his height and jumping skills.  Crabtree would make the young WR core in Oakland become a nice group.

8. JAC- B.J. Raji, DT Boston College- There have been rumors about Raji testing positive for marijuana during the combine. The Jaguars need defensive line help but Raji must prove he is mature enough to play at the next level. The Jags will not take more risks on players with discipline problems because of the recent instances the team has had.

9. GB- Everette Brown, OLB/DE Florida State- Why not add a great pass rusher to the mix? The team is switching to the 3-4 defense and Brown will ease the transition by providing great speed on the outside.

10. SF- Mark Sanchez, QB USC- The team might opt to upgrade the defense but Sanchez has great value here and the quarterbacking ranks in San Fran could possibly use an upgrade.

11. BUF- Aaron Maybin, LB/DE- Penn State- This guy is a supreme athlete who can upgrade any pass rush. This team definitely needs to get more pressure on the quarterback and Maybin fits the bill. He is moving up boards right now though so hopefully he will still be around.

12. DEN- Tyson Jackson, DE LSU- The team is also switching to the 3-4 and Jackson would be an upgrade. The team is moving its current defensive ends to outside linebacker because of size issues. Jackson has the size to succeed upfront in the new scheme.

13. WAS- Michael Oher, T Ole Miss- The team needs offensive line help so Jason Campbell has more time to operate and Clinton Portis has more lanes to run through. Oher has a few questions concerning his dedication to the game also but he has supreme potential at the left tackle spot.

14. NO- Malcolm Jenkins, DB Ohio State- This team needs upgrades in the secondary and Jenkins is the best available. He might switch to safety but has the  athleticism and more importantly the ball skills to constantly be making plays.

15. HOU- Brian Cushing, LB USC- This pick might be a bit of a reach but they need just a few more defensive players to be successful. They might take a chance on Vontae Davis but Cushing makes the defensive front seven even more solid.

16. SD- Rey Maualuga, LB USC- Adding another solid linebacker to this defense makes the team scary. Maualuga might not be a supreme athlete but he has great instincts and is understands what it takes to be a great tackler.

17. NYJ- Josh Freeman, QB Kansas State- This guy is flying up draft boards because he  looks the part of an NFL quarterback and has a strong arm.  The Jets though could feel they need an upgrade at the QB position.

18. DEN- Peria Jerry, DT Ole Miss-  Once again the team needs players that fit into the 3-4 scheme and Jerry can be dominant upfront. He has both strength and explosiveness and will be fun to watch.

19. TB- Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee- He is flying up boards because of his pass-rushing skills. The Bucs need just a little upgrade in the pass rushing department and Ayers can straight up get to the quarterback.

20. DET- Eben Britton, T Arizona- The new team philosophy involves dominating the line of scrimmage and Britton will help the offensive line. Getting some offensive linemen to open holes for Kevin Smith is essential.

21. PHI- Chris Wells, RB Ohio State- Brian Westbrook cannot get worn down if the team wants to make a run to the Super Bowl this year. Wells will compliment Westbrook by pounding the football upfront between the tackles. He will get a chance to play early and often.

22. MIN-Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri- It’s very possible that Maclin will be gone by then. Minnesota might feel it needs to upgrade the receiving core once again. Maclin provides instant play-making ability because of his insane speed. I think if Sidney Rice develops in year three that him and Berian will provide a solid one-two punch. Maybe Maclin could play a lot in the slot.

23. NE- Clay Matthews, LB USC- The team obviously has an aging linebacker core to a degree and Matthews would combine with Jerod Mayo to start another great group in the middle of the defense.

24. ATL- Vontae Davis, DB Illinois- Davis is a supreme talent that just needs to be coached. He has tons of athleticism but has some technique issues.

25. MIA- Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR Maryland- The team needs some solid receivers that can catch balls in traffic and get first downs. This guy adds another degree of speed as well which is a plus.

26. BAL- Percy Harvin, WR Florida- The receiving core is lacking to a degree and Harvin adds a lot of play-making skills to the mix. Harvin can instantly aid the special teams as well.

27. IND- Evander Hood, DT Missouri- This guy perfectly fits the Colts scheme involving speedy guys getting across the line of scrimmage. Hood is also not overly undersized like some Colts defenders.

28. PHI- William Beatty, T UConn- The team has definite offensive line needs and Beatty is the best tackle available. If they love one of the top tackles in the draft they could trade up.

29. NYG- Hakeem Nicks, WR NC- Obviously with Amani Toomer aging and Plaxico Burress being released the team has a need. If Mario Manningham or Steve Smith step up and Nicks produces, this could be an intriguing group of pass-catchers.

30. TEN- Kenny Britt, WR Rutgers- Britt is a little bit of a reach here but the team has an obvious need. Only Justin Gage is a solid receiver in Tennessee and he gets injured somewhat often. Britt can be a solid possession receiver with an upside.

31. ARI- Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia- If Moreno falls to this point, the Cardinals will pick him up so Tim Hightower and him can become a great two player running back tandem. Edgerrin James is most-likely out of the picture.

32. PIT- Max Unger, OL Oregon- The team will have a chance to take a solid offensive-line prospect here and Unger can play multiple positions.